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Source: <<A>> book of architecture containing designs of buildings and ornaments / by James Gibbs. http://www.e-rara.ch/zut/content/pageview/203797
Transcript
(i)INTRODUCTION
What is here presented to the Publick was undertaken at the instance of several Persons of Quality and others, and some Plates were added to what was first intended, by the particular direction of Persons of great Distinction, for whose Commands I have the highest regard. They were of opinion, that such a Work as this would be of use to such Gentlemen as might be concerned in Building, especially in the remote parts of the Country, where little or no assistance for Designs can be procured. Such may be here furnished with Draughts of useful and convenient Buildings and proper Ornaments, which may be executed by any Workman who understands Lines, either as here Design'd, or with some Alteration, which may be easily made by a Person of Judgment, without which a Variation in Draughts, once well digested, frequently proves a Detriment to the Building, as well as a Disparagement to the Person that gives them. I mention this to caution Gentlemen from suffering any material Change to be made in their Designs, by the Forwardness of unskilful Workmen, or the Caprice of ignorant, assuming Pretenders.
B
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